Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (Seasonal) - Pymatuning State Park

Full Job Description

If you are passionate about our state's natural resources and eager to inspire future generations in conservation efforts, we have an exciting opportunity for you. In this role, you will play a vital part in supporting both aquatic and terrestrial natural resource programs. Seize this chance to enhance visitor safety, share valuable information with patrons, educate the public on park rules and regulations, and safeguard our precious park resources!

Requirements

In this position, you will be based at Pymatuning State Park, with responsibilities extending to Pymatuning and other parks within the Western Plateau Division. Your primary focus will be to support the bureau’s aquatic and terrestrial natural resource initiatives. You will engage in a range of tasks related to forest management, wildlife habitat management, lake water quality, invasive species control, stream enhancement, prescribed fire, and recreation projects, either independently or as part of a team.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. The season runs from approximately February 2026 until October 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment approximately February 2027.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Will work 37.5 hours/ 5 days a week. Overtime, weekends, and holiday work required.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of professional experience in natural resource management or natural resource education; and a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• This particular position also requires possession of a valid Class C driver's license that is not under suspension.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Post Employment Requirement:

• You shall obtain Pesticide Applicator License (Categories 9 and 23) within 1 year of hire and then maintain this license moving forward.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
  
  

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.